Just about everyone has at least a rudimentary notion of what basketball is all about. However, many people are interested in taking their understanding of the sport to a whole new level. If you are among those wishing to learn more, this article can serve as a very useful resource going forward.

When shooting a free throw, keep your knees slightly bent and relaxed for best results. This stance allows you to jump vertically without shifting from right to left; thus, helping you maintain an even, accurate shot. Release the ball at the top of your jump for added momentum to the shot.

When throwing an overhead pass, it is best to keep the ball from actually going behind your head. If you do, the ball is easier to steal. In addition, it takes longer to throw the overhead pass if you bring it behind your head. Throw it from over your forehead.

Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.

Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try doing a back pass! Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Move the ball so that it is behind you. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. This will confuse the opposition.

One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

Make sure you have prepared for your games by taking care of yourself. Don’t see your team short by staying up all night, eating junk food before games or skipping practice because you have things you would rather do. make a commitment to your team by being there for the team on the court and off the court.

If the basketball game is quickly getting out of hand for your team, find a way to slow the pace down. Your opponent wants to keep the chaos for your team going as it’s causing you all to make mistakes. You need to do the opposite. The minute you have the ball, dribble up court slowly. Or take a time out if you’ve got one available.

Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.

If you want to become a better basketball player, exercise your forearms and your wrists whenever you possibly can. This will significantly help you with your ball handing and control. A strong dribbler always has strong forearms. Practice wrist curls in your exercise routine to improve forearm and wrist strength.

A great way to practice the fast break is to get the ball up the court in less than five dribbles. It may seem impossible, but the more you practice this rule, the easier it becomes. During game time you will notice yourself using this to your advantage during the fast break.

You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. When you stay consistent, you get better success. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.

To take care of your leather basketball, only use it in an indoor gym. If you take it outside, the cement and asphalt will tear up that leather. Instead, buy a rubber indoor/outdoor basketball to take to the cement court. They are cheaper and bounce just as well outside.

To inbound a basketball when no one is open and your defender’s back is to you, you can pull a trick — just toss the ball lightly off the defender’s back. Then step inbounds with both feet and grab the ball and go. The ball just has to touch a player inbounds before you can touch it again.

If you have a defender right in front of you, consider using an overhead pass. You can throw the ball so high that the defender can’t reach it, protecting it from their grasp. Aim high on the person intended to receive it so they can catch it near their chin.

While you should always make your passes as simple as possible, some situations call for more complicated passes. If you have to make a behind-the-back pass, your power is coming from your arm and fingers. If you use the power from your shoulders, you opponent will realize what your are doing and may be quick enough to break up the pass.

Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. You are sure to understand that it takes teamwork to play basketball. Playing is more than just you and one other person. Be there for your teammates is important. Communicate with them so that they know when you need assistance, so that you all collectively play better.

Most people understand the sport of basketball on at least some level, but that is not to say that they are satisfied with their present level of knowledge. By learning as much as possible about basketball, one’s enjoyment of the sport can grow to a surprising degree. Hopefully this article has provided the basis for a long-lasting love affair with basketball.

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To become a better dribbler in basketball, practice with your eyes closed. This will help you to be able to dribble while keeping a close watch on the action of the game. Be sure to practice while you’re moving too, so that you can dribble and maneuver around the court without ever having to look down at the ball.